Keystone Stories: Drive-Ins


Pennsylvania is host to America’s second drive-in theatre, Shankweiler’s Drive-in which opened in 1934. In the late 1950s, at the height of the drive-in’s popularity, Pennsylvania had more than 180 in operation. This number has dropped significantly; 85% have closed. However, today Pennsylvania has nearly 30 drive-in theaters in operation, and this is second in the nation, only behind New York. The recent need for social distancing has provided drive-ins with several new income streams, and has boosted what some feel is a dying business.

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More Episodes

New Neighbors

Season 3 Episode 2 | 27 min

“New Neighbors” is a term given to immigrants and refugees. These community members work to learn the American ways while keeping their own cultures and traditions alive. We will hear the stories of three immigrant families and follow their journey as they build new lives in central Pennsylvania. Watch on the PBS App »

Aired 09/25/23

 

Drive-Ins

Season 1 Episode 2 | 27 min

In the late 1950s, at the height of the drive-in’s popularity, Pennsylvania had more than 180 in operation. Today Pennsylvania still has nearly 30 drive-in theaters in operation, second most in the country. Watch on the PBS App »

Aired 05/12/22

 

Chocolate on a conveyer belt.

Sweets

Season 4 Episode 1 | 27 min

Hershey’s chocolate is not the only special sweet treat that comes from Pennsylvania. The stories behind Gardners Candies, Ritchey’s Ice Cream and Inside Out Cookie are calorie-free, but their products will satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth. Watch on the PBS App »

Aired 09/30/24

 

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